Sandy Duncan And Son, Jeffrey Correia Lead Mountain Playhouse's THE GLASS MENAGERIE 9/15-27, Opens 9/17

When Sandy Duncan arrives at the Mountain Playhouse in September to play Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, a familiar face will join her on stage. Jeffrey Correia, her son in real life, will play Tom Wingfield, her character's son in the classic Tennessee Williams play. The occasion marks one of few times the two have performed together. The first time was for a 1993 Wheat Thins commercial when Jeffrey was six years old. The two also performed a song and dance routine for charity, and later, a two character reading when Jeffrey was in college at the NYU-Tisch School for the Arts in New York City. Their performance at the Mountain Playhouse will mark the first professional turn the two will share on stage.

One might say the "stars" aligned in honor of the theater's 70th anniversary season which will conclude following The Glass Menagerie (September 15-27) and Sister Strikes Back: Late Nite Catechism 2 (September 30 - October 11).

When Duncan heard that the Mountain Playhouse was planning to produce The Glas Menagerie she called Producer Teresa Stoughton Marafino and asked if she could play Amanda Wingfield. Marafino was delighted with the offer and the opportunity to bring a major star to Playhouse audiences.

It wasn't a call quite out of the clear blue though. Mountain Playhouse Director Guy Stroman has been Duncan's longtime producing and performing partner and Correia was a member of the Mountain Playhouse's resident acting company this season and in 2003, which gave Duncan and her husband, Don Correia the opportunity to visit Jennerstown to watch their son perform.

"We were there of course in 2003, but this summer we saw Honus & Me and Over the Tavern and both were excellent professional productions which compared very favorably to other places," says Duncan.

The Playhouse's production also gives Duncan the opportunity to work with Guy Stroman and further develop The Glass Menagerie for a possible national tour. Two years ago, Duncan, who is best known for her light musical comedy roles, turned to the serious side to perform the role of Amanda Wingfield at the Nevada Conservatory Theatre, based at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

About her upcoming appearance in Jennerstown she says, "I've never repeated a show in my life, so this will be a first time." She has also been contacted about reading for a possible musicalized version of The Glass Menagerie.

"Many high schools include The Glass Menagerie in their curriculum so the show was scheduled in September to enable school students to attend special day time performances and educational symposiums. This year, students have the added excitement of seeing a major star of stage, film and television," says Stoughton Marafino.

Ms. Duncan received Tony Award nominations for her roles in The Boyfriend, Canterbury Tales, and Peter Pan. She last appeared on Broadway as Roxie Hart in the Tony Award-winning hit musical Chicago. She also starred in her own TV comedy series, Funny Face, and in the critically acclaimed mini-series Roots, where, as Missy Anne Reynolds, she ranged in age from 20 to 70.

Because of the addition of several daytime matinees, the schedule varies each day. The public is also invited to attend the daytime performances.

Performance schedule:

Tues, Sept. 15: 10 a.m.
Wed, Sept. 16: 10 a.m.
Thurs, Sept. 17: 10 a.m. & 8 p.m. (Opening Night Reception)
Fri, Sept. 18: 10 a.m. & 8 p.m.
Sat, Sept. 19: 8 p.m.
Sun, Sept. 20: 3 p.m.
Wed, Sept. 23: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Thurs, Sept. 24: 8 p.m.
Fri, Sept. 25: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sat, Sept. 26: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sun, Sept. 27: 3 p.m.

An opening night party will follow the first evening performance on Thursday, September 17 when the audience will have the opportunity to meet Ms. Duncan along with the entire cast and crew.

The Glass Menagerie runs September 15-27 with ticket prices ranging from $15-$32 depending on matinee or evening performance, and seat location. Group discounts are available. Student tickets are $8 for every performance. School groups can still book any performance by calling Group Sales at 814-629-9201 ext. 105. Tickets can be ordered online at MountainPlayhouse.org or by calling 814-629-9201, Option 1.

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